My Top 3 Reasons Why You Should Play Tabletop Games

Tabletop games, most commonly known as board games, have invaded my weekly routine for quite some time now. The first game that got me hooked to tabletop games was Exploding Kittens. Once I got the game, all the way from the US, I immediately started looking for people to play with, and it didn’t stop there. I discovered a whole new world of geekdom the minute I started looking for other games I could buy. Now, my previously empty shelves at home are laden with more than 15 different game boxes (and counting).

But for most of you who haven’t fallen prey to this craze yet, why should you play tabletop games? Here’re my top 3 reasons why you should be enjoying tabletop games during the age of the Board Game Renaissance:

1.) Playing Tabletop Games is a Social Activity.

We live in the digital age, and that means everyones eyes are glued to a phone or computer screen. Tabletop games releases us from that bind. With board games, you can get together with friends and play face-to-face. We’re all physical beings, so sitting down and interacting with others through tabletop games gives us a different depth of experience that mobile games just cannot give. It’s more genuine and personal. Add snacks, maybe even music, to the mix and you’re all set for a great 8 hour session of gaming! (We’ve done a 12 hour session, but gaming time will depend on everyone’s stamina. Haha!)

Takenoko

2.) Tabletop Games are B-E-A-U-tiful.

My friends have noticed that my game choices are mostly “eye candy”, and I agree. One of the things that really got me hooked to buying board games is the quality that these games have. The artworks that some games have are so beautiful that sometimes I just bring them out to stare at them, and some games have miniatures that are so detailed you can’t help but swoon. Modern games have more components now, too, so you’re not just using dice and plastic pegs on cardboard. Some games have brightly coloured bamboo pieces (Takenoko), or a bag full of multicoloured meeples (Five Tribes), or heavy chips that represent different gem stones (Splendor). Every game has its own charm, so it’s always a delight to try and play different ones!

3.) The Tabletop Community is Friendly.

I love how this hobby has created a haven for my friends and I where we can meet new people, play games, and not be weird about it. I like to think of tabletop sessions as neutral ground. Everybody is very welcoming and warm. You get to meet new people and bond with them when you normally would not have anything in common. It’s a great way to bring people together!

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I hope my top three reasons can convince you to try out modern board games! For other sources, I highly suggest you check out Will Wheaton’s Tabletop youtube series. It’s one of the things that got me started collecting games and it’s a great way to learn how to play great tabletop games!

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BONUS CONTENT

Tokaido

I asked two of my friends who are also very into tabletop gaming to give me one reason why they play tabletop games, and here are their answers:

Jonathan : To meet people who share the same interests and passion. Of course, my real real real reason is to find people who I can feel superior to by beating them in board games, showing them my intellectual superiority and the futility of their ways. But then again, how callous of me. (laughing smiley emoji)

Karly : I play tabletop because I bought all these expensive games, what the heck am I supposed to do with them. (angel emojis). [In a more serious note,] I play Tabletop games to appreciate the design behind the games. A lot of modern games have very unique mechanics that it is a marvel to see them in action!

Pandemic

Kidding aside, there are fair points here that merit attention when diving into the world of tabletop gaming.

Tabletop gaming is a good place for friendly and casual gaming but is also a very good avenue for competitive gaming. There’s nothing wrong with having a good and healthy competition every once in a while! Hopefully, with the rising support that Davao Tabletop Gamers are getting, Tabletop Tournaments will happen within Davao City!

Tabletop games are E-X-pensive. I’m not saying all of them are, but most of the big box games can set you back, at least, P2,000. There are games that cost around P500 – P1,000, but there are also games that go from P2,500 – P5,000. So, if you’re planning to dive into collecting games, get your wallet ready! Otherwise, just join a local group near you and play the games there!

I hope this has sparked your interest! Ask your friends where the nearest tabletop sessions happen and prepare to get addicted! If you’re from Davao, drop a comment if you’re interested! We have weekly meet ups! See you soon!

Haha!! I have so many on my wishlist but damn expensive! I have small world (with two expansions) and the Marvel Legendary (with one expansion)! I sold my Munchkins game ‘coz it always takes us forever to finish one game. Nobody likes to lose. HAHA!! You should definitely play Rising Sun with us some day. 😉 Or I could bring it so I can play with your cousins HAHA!!